MARTINEZ — Jimena Barreto, the one-time nanny convicted last month of murder in the hit-and-run deaths of two Danville children, is scheduled to be sentenced today in Contra Costa County Superior Court.

Barreto, 46, of Walnut Creek was found guilty May 4 of two counts of second-degree murder. She faces 30 years to life in state prison.

In addition to murder, Barreto was convicted of leaving the scene of an accident with fatalities or serious permanent injury, driving under the influence causing injury, and driving on a suspended license.

The charges stem from the Oct. 26, 2003, deaths of Troy and Alana Pack.

The two children were on their way to get slush drinks at a store when they were struck and killed by Barretos 1979 Mercedes 300D after it jumped the sidewalk at Camino Tassajara and Rassini Drive in Danville.

Barreto fled the scene of the accident and was arrested two days later in San Jose.

During the trial, the prosecution argued that Barreto was impaired on the prescribed painkiller Vicodin and the muscle-relaxant Flexeril, as well as alcohol, at the time of the accident.

Barreto has multiple convictions in Florida and California for driving under the influence.

The prosecution faced a challenge with the absence of a toxicology report showing Barreto was under the influence. The defense argued the collision was a tragic accident.

The case drew national attention, landing the childrens parents, Bob and Carmen Pack, on CNN and the Inside Edition television show. In their quest to secure a murder conviction, the Packs waged a high-profile media campaign.

Prosecutors believe Barreto could be the first person in California to be convicted of murder on charges stemming from intoxication by prescription drugs.

The Packs are hoping to be parents again but suffered a setback last month when Carmen Pack lost the twin boys she was carrying. Doctors terminated the 20-week pregnancy because an escalating infection threatened Packs health.

The couple — who went through in-vitro fertilization — said they want to try again.

Staff writer Simon Read covers police and courts for the Herald. He can be reached at (925) 416-4849, or sread@angnewspapers.com.

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